Death Valley Challenge

Vegas Baby!

Oh dear Jim you’ve really went and blew it. Up to this point I rated you as tour guide, as a drinking partner and as a cyclist but you ruined it. As the group assembled in the car park of Best Western for the final push to Vegas you blasted out ‘Viva Las Vegas’ but by Bruce Springsteen not THE KING. A fatal error. This was another downer on a day that had started far too early and wasn’t helped by a poor breakfast. Best Western had labelled a dish as potatoes but it was clearly fried potato peelings. Even a waffle maker where you made your own waffles could not make up for the substandard coffee. Luckily I still had a decent coffee sachet I had 'liberated' from a previous hotel and made a cup in the room.

The last day’s route was easy (no even easier than the other days). Thirty miles up the hill to Mountain Springs Saloon and then twenty five miles downhill to Las Vegas. Needless to say Phil disappeared on the descent and I found myself climbing up with James. Now we were out of the National Park and on a public road with a cycle lane. This meant we could ride two abreast without having to keep an eye out for a park ranger. The climb was never more than 6% so we found our rhythm and enjoyed chatting on the way up. I’ve mentioned before how many times I get lost cycling and came very close to going wrong even with such simple instructions. As we neared the top of the climb I said to James I couldn’t remember how many miles it was to lunch, but I put it to the back of my mind as we carried on chatting. I then heard a car horn sound and felt aggrieved as we were well within the cycle lane. I turned around to see who had the affront to ‘parp’ at us and I saw it was Steve in the van outside the lunch stop just as we were passing it. I’m not sure how far I would have gone up the hill before remembering the saloon was at the top of the climb!

Mountain Springs Saloon was my new highlight (sorry Arnies). The three of us were the only customers at first in the bar in which every wall and flat surface was covered in dollar bills signed by past patrons. Needless to say we added our own. Other attractions were a very pretty barmaid, gaming machines and ashtrays on the bar again, a lit log fire and a broken kid’s elephant ride!

Broken elephant ride

I was amazed that the next customers in had English accents (and not from our group). It turned out they were Cam’s parents who had come out to meet him. I took the opportunity to tell them how well their son had behaved with his friends and that I was amazed how fresh they were each morning despite being out till 6am every night.

Chewing the fat

Once everybody had arrived we adjourned to the Grill room which was another wooden building behind the bar. I wasn’t sure what to order or indeed what some of the choices were but Neil ordered in front of me and it sounded good so I went for the same, as did Ted who was behind me.

It was a long leisurely lunch and the feeling of nearing the end was inevitable. All that was left was the fast descent in Vegas and to group at McDonalds for another convoy to the Vegas sign. There was a bit of tension in the air as we were about to set off. Two riders had chosen to wear Spiderman tops and they battled to be the best. Neither of the riders are likely to feature as stunt doubles for Andrew Garfield any time soon though.

The cycle lane into town was basically the hard shoulder with a bike painted onto it. As I overtook the three lads I made the mistake of venturing onto the ‘rumble strip’. Designed to make car drivers aware they are drifting off course they are terrifying when on a bike, but I stayed upright and tucked back in. Shortly afterwards I heard a bike bell ring and turned to see a young local guy keen to get past (and not make my mistake of going on the rumble strip). I let him pass then stuck to his back wheel as he sped past some others in our group. The road had now flattened and I was in danger of having to put some effort in to keep with him, so rather than humiliate him in his home patch I let him go. There was one casualty of the descent – Barry’s phone! It had dislodged from his bar mount and broken into several pieces. Barry seemed unperturbed despite now not being able to contact his wife who was due out in Vegas the next day.

The six miles through Vegas were ridden in between the two vans. The idea was that when the back van blew its horn we would all move over one lane. The problem was with so much traffic it was impossible to hear the horn so we drifted across five lanes to make several left hand turns in a disorganized rabble – but we all made it.

Much back slapping and handshakes celebrated our arrival on Las Vegas Boulevard South. But then we had to queue to have our picture taken amongst run-of-the-mill tourists who had come by car and not put any effort in. Pity the people behind us, as all of us had individual shots, group shots, shots with different tops etc etc.

We made it

We made the journey to the hotel in the vans with the bikes packed into the trailers. As we were given our room keys we had over two hours to spruce ourselves up for the celebration dinner and night on the tiles. HOWEVER! The route to the lifts passed by the bar and I suggested to Phil it wouldn’t harm to have one swift half to celebrate our arrival. I had thought there might have been a bottle of bubbly at the sign – but there wasn’t. Phil wasn’t keen as it takes him a long time to get his hair and make up just right but he relented. Just as we were ordering the Cockneys came past and seemed rather keen on the swift half idea. It felt like an apres ski beer as everybody was in cycling attire. The only problem was our luggage pile that was growing ever bigger on the corner, we might have been okay but Chris had a case the size of a small hearse. Anyway the swift half turned into a quick bucket after some nifty upselling by the barman, and then a couple more buckets. Needless to say it turned out to be a very quick dash to the rooms, get ready and race back down.

There is no more to report on the night as there is one golden rule; What happens in Vegas – stays in Vegas!

The next morning Barry came to see us off at 8am despite staying on for a week with his wife. He presented me with a small bag and said it was a present for me. I opened it to find it was a toothbrush! He said it was to make up for one I said I had lost when I went back down the hill for him. We both knew I hadn’t lost a toothbrush but it was his way of saying thank you. I’m the first to admit I’m a cynical, uncaring old git (no really) but I was touched.

I had another two flights to brave to get home, but the first passed in a blur and before the second there was a six hour stopover in Seattle. Some took the opportunity to go into the city and see the sights. I took the opportunity to drink Gin! Jim took pity on me and kept me company with red wine but still didn’t apologise enough for the Springsteen error.

I’m aware that the ‘cyclists’ that read this post will think that it was not proper cycle touring and not many miles were covered, but I enjoy these Charity challenges. They contain a wide mix of people and abilities and make for interesting days. Whilst well within my comfort zone I can really appreciate how much effort some people have to put in just to get through the days. I am certain that I will remain in contact with some new friends from this trip for a long time to come.

Phil & I raised over £2000 for Freddie’s Friends. As a whole the group raised over £55,000 for their various causes. That included a £200 cheque that a diner gave in Dennys on the first day when it was explained to him what we were all doing at breakfast in cycling gear.

Loved reading this story of day 1. As I was on the trip, it's a great way to remember it. And very accurate too.....even down to Francis' humour.
Look forward to reading day 2.

November 25th, 2014 at 8:16 pm

Neil Gothardwrote:

Such great memories! An amazing experience with some amazing people (and Francis!!)
Well written mate

November 25th, 2014 at 11:02 pm

JAMES BLYTHEwrote:

What a story Francis. It brings back great memories. Have you brushed me out of the photo as i was sure i would be in front. Looking forward to the rest of your pictures and story. if i had know of your fear of flying i would have given you a cuddle.

November 26th, 2014 at 10:57 am

francis brogdenwrote:

James – if you had been on a road bike you would have been in front and out of sight! As it was we filled your tyres with cement.

November 26th, 2014 at 4:26 pm

Kernwrote:

Well, Francis, let me see if I get this straight. You rolled yourself onto a plane in Heathrow, you rolled yourself off in Las Vegas, you visited a brothel, short-paid the staff, and stiffed the waitress for dinner. That's a very impressive start. I can hardly wait for the next installment!

November 27th, 2014 at 12:47 am

francis brogdenwrote:

Kern – Yorkshire born & bred !!

November 27th, 2014 at 9:08 pm

Chriswrote:

The bloke with the punctures – what tyres was he using?

November 29th, 2014 at 9:17 pm

Phil Heaeltinewrote:

A brilliant and funny account of the trip Francis, amazing all that you remembered (or made up about me!)
It was great riding with you all and some good friends made.

November 29th, 2014 at 11:24 pm

Franciswrote:

Can't recall the make of tyre. Was checked for wear/damage but nothing found.

November 30th, 2014 at 8:17 am

Margaretwrote:

Francis, I will remember that push for long time to come, my lungs were on fire and legs felt like two bits of lead. Seeing Jim, and you, and realising that your both are coming back for me, was quite emotional. I did try to make myself as light as a feather, don't think it worked. Thank you

November 30th, 2014 at 5:47 pm

Franciswrote:

You're welcome Margaret. I also got emotional when i saw Jim – his singing always made me weep

December 1st, 2014 at 4:51 pm

Chriswrote:

The camaraderie is what really comes across in the post and subsequent comments, Francis. I still say you need more of a test – maybe in 2015. The Tommy Godwin Challenge, eh? Or a long weekend of double centuries...?

December 9th, 2014 at 9:49 pm

Patrickwrote:

Great stuff, superb photos. Well done Francis. I had read this previously and couldn't think what to say except the stupidly obvious. On reflection it's something that requires a type of get-up-and-go I don't seem to have myself. Anyway I'll say it again: well done.

January 6th, 2015 at 11:00 am

francis brogdenwrote:

Thank you Patrick – glad you enjoyed it. 2015 is filling up nicely. Benidorm in January. Cols of the Tour De France in June and Way of the Roses in a day in July.

January 6th, 2015 at 10:25 pm

Robinwrote:

Hi Francis,

Great blog! I am taking part in this challenge in just 7 1/2 weeks time and cannot wait to get going!

Do you have any restrospective tips? ie things you definitely do/don't need beyond the blindingly obvious?

Also, I know you took the option to upgrade your bike – would you say that's pretty much a necessity? I'm not keen on the sound of sitting on these hybrids for a week...

Keep up the blogging – awesome work.

Thanks!

Robin

January 27th, 2015 at 12:02 pm

Franciswrote:

Hi Robin,
Hope you enjoy the ride. If it is with Global Adventure you will be very well looked after. The guys from the tour company are always on hand. I would recommend upgrading to a road bike as the road surfaces are all tarmac – the hybrids were hard work. Make sure they have your sizing as there is no opportunity to change the bikes. The kit list is pretty comprehensive and i wasn't short of anything – i did take my own pedals though. One thing i wasn't sure whether to take was puncture repair and tubes – but they were provided.
pleased you liked the blog.
francis

January 27th, 2015 at 4:19 pm

Davidwrote:

Hi Francis,
Loved the Blog, very informative witty and amusing! I'm sold! Like Robin previous, I'm taking part in this challenge with Global for the November 2015 date in a months time. Would also like to draw on your experience please, do global provide any gels or electrolyte supplements or should I bring my own? Also is it worth taking the garmin from my UK road bike as it's not too much hassle to strip and pack it, nice to know mileage cadence etc? Looks like you guys had a ball, again the blog was a great help. Cheers. David.

October 2nd, 2015 at 5:52 pm

Franciswrote:

Hi David,
Glad you enjoyed the write up. Andrew Cattle who rode with us will be taking part again (for the third time) with you. Say hi! There aren't any gels or electrolytes supplied but i wouldn't have thought needed as the cycling is only in 20 mile sets with stops for food/sweets/water etc. I took my own Garmin as it was nice to see different maps on Garmin connect afterwards, But the bikes do have basic computers on them. They also provide puncture repair kits which wasn't mentioned. Anything else you need to know just ask. Enjoy!!

October 2nd, 2015 at 6:58 pm

Davidwrote:

Hi Francis,
Many thanks for your prompt reply on that, great help, in contact with other participants on the event including the Vegas veteran Andrew cattle. Will pass on your greeting and share your info with the others. Regards
David